PPL join the PM’s IP advisor to talk Music Rights at The Great Escape 2014

Mike Weatherley MP, David Cameron’s Intellectual Property advisor, will headline the ‘Maximising Music Rights’ strand at The Great Escape Convention 2014 (8-10 May).

The strand will be supported by PPL and PRS for Music – alongside representatives from other rights organisations, record labels and digital platforms.

The Great Escape (TGE) convention is the UK’s leading music business conference. It is held in conjunction with TGE Festival, which is now in its ninth year, and showcases new music performed by 400 artists from all over the world in 35 venues across Brighton.

The convention brings together thousands of music industry practitioners (delegates) for three days of insightful sessions, panels, conversations and networking. This year, TGE team are offering more in-depth sessions, giving delegates the opportunity to delve deeper into some of the key issues affecting the music industry.

‘Maximising Music Rights’ is the first strand to be announced, with details of the other five strands to be released later this year. The half-day session will include:

Mike Weatherley MP, revealing current thinking in Westminster and Whitehall with regards the ongoing fight against online piracy. He comments: “As the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Intellectual Property Rights, it is especially gratifying for me to see support for our creative industries raised to such a high level by all those involved – organisers, artists and supporters.”

PPL, PRS for Music, and the artist community providing insights on the increasingly important area of ‘neighbouring rights’, which provide extra royalty income for artists and producers.

Chris Cooke, CMU Business Editor and TGE Convention Programmer, reviewing how artists, record companies and music publishers are going about monetising their copyrights in 2014.

Key execs from leading labels and digital platforms explaining how rights owners are now combating the unlicensed distribution of their recordings online.

PPL CEO Peter Leathem commented: “We are looking forward to participating in the ‘Maximising Music Rights’ strand and especially the panel on ‘neighbouring rights’. This is an increasingly important revenue stream for our performer members. We will be sharing tips and advice on how artists and producers should be capitalising on it and will be happy to answer any questions that come from the floor."

You will find more information about the festival and the convention, including how to apply to play if you’re a performer, on the TGE website. Follow TGE on Twitter @GreatEscapeFest for exclusive event announcements, using the hashtag #TGE14 to join in the conversation.

Make sure to also follow PPL on Twitter @ppluk for great coverage of the ‘Maximising Music Rights’ strand and more events news. All our listings can be found on our events page.